All Roll Calls
Yes: 67 • No: 36
New MexicoHB 892025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP ACT CHANGES
Sponsored By: Dayan Hochman-Vigil (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Graduate scholarships capped at tuition and fees
Beginning July 1, 2025, graduate scholarship awards cannot exceed 100% of the program's tuition and fees for the academic year. This cap does not guarantee full coverage. The academic year covers two semesters, or comparable units, starting in the fall. New Mexico's Higher Education Department funds only one semester at a time. The department withholds second-semester funding when a student does not enroll that semester or no longer meets scholarship eligibility requirements.
Graduate scholarship renewals face academic limits
Beginning July 1, 2025, prior-year recipients can renew their graduate scholarships while meeting ongoing academic and enrollment requirements. Students must keep at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, remain in good academic standing, and enroll in at least six graduate credits. Support ends upon earning a terminal degree or receiving eight semesters of scholarship awards, whichever comes first. Withdrawal, failure to reenroll, or loss of the required GPA or other qualifications are grounds for ending the scholarship. Substantial failure to follow the act or department rules and procedures is also grounds for ending support.
New paths and rules for graduate scholarships
Beginning July 1, 2025, New Mexico residents with the greatest financial need and residents from underrepresented groups get scholarship priority. These groups include women, minorities, people with visual impairments or other physical disabilities, and groups underrepresented in their field or profession. First-year applicants need a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, or paid work supporting faculty teaching or research. They must meet admission requirements, be accepted, enroll in at least six graduate credits, and follow department and program rules. Eligible programs lead to a master's or doctoral degree, excluding a Doctor of Medicine. Eligible schools are graduate-degree-granting state universities listed in New Mexico's constitution and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Priority does not guarantee an award.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Dayan Hochman-Vigil
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Patricia Roybal Caballero
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/22/2025
Final Senate Vote
Yes: 27 • No: 11
House vote • 3/1/2025
Final House Vote
Yes: 40 • No: 25
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor - Chapter 92 - Apr. 8
4/8/2025SenatePassed in the Senate - Y:27 N:11
3/22/2025SenateWithdrawn from committee or daily calendar for subsequent action
3/21/2025legislatureSEC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation
3/5/2025SenateSent to SEC - Referrals: SEC/SFC
3/3/2025SenatePassed in the House of Representatives - Y:40 N:25
3/1/2025HouseHEC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation
2/18/2025HouseHCPAC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation
2/5/2025HouseSent to HCPAC - Referrals: HCPAC/HEC
1/23/2025SenateSent to HPREF - Referrals: HPREF
Senate
Bill Text
Final Version
4/9/2025
SEC Committee Report 3/05/25
3/5/2025
HEC Committee Report 2/18/25
2/18/2025
HCPAC Committee Report 2/05/25
2/5/2025
Introduced
1/13/2025